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Kern River County Park

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CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Kern River County Park, near Bakersfield, California, is a fantastic spot for those looking to enjoy the great outdoors with a side of comfort. The campground offers spacious sites, many right by the river, making it perfect for peaceful mornings and relaxing afternoons.

You’ll find amenities like clean restrooms and hot showers, which campers appreciate after a day of exploring. The park is pet-friendly, so you can bring your furry friends along for the adventure. As one visitor noted, “Great view of the Kern River! Clean, quiet, good vibes.”

Wildlife is abundant here, with geese, egrets, and even the occasional bald eagle spotted nearby. The shaded areas provided by the trees make for a comfortable retreat during the hotter parts of the day, and the picnic tables and fire rings at each site are perfect for evening gatherings.

If you’re up for some exploration, the Kern River offers thrilling water activities, but be cautious as the currents can be strong. Plus, it’s just a short drive to nearby attractions like Lake Ming and Kern River Golf Course. Whether you’re tent camping, RVing, or trying out a cabin, Kern River County Park is a solid choice for a memorable getaway.

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Location

Kern River County Park is located in California

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

35.43539745 N
118.8771374 W

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Connectivity

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  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 6 users
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 2 users

Drive Time

Presented byToyota Trucks

Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 6 users
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 2 users

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group
  • Cabins
  • Tent Cabin

Features

For Campers

  • Market
  • ADA Access
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • WiFi
  • Showers
  • Drinking Water
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • Sewer Hookups
  • Water Hookups
  • Pull-Through Sites
  • Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info


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Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

12 Reviews

Reviewed May. 21, 2025

Paid vs not paid

For $32, you can get a site off the river and have a little camping pit and picnic table and you’re around other RVs and it’s good. I opted for locating a self created campsite in the area off the beaten path. It might not be allowed, but I was gone by 7 AM and I was super quiet. And I think that’s the thing if you’re super quiet and you’re gone early then probably not a problem. But if you’re planning to bring your camper to one of those secluded spots and making a lot of noise, then you may want to just get a $32 spot.

SiteI didn’t stay at a specific site, I made up my own site in the area.
Month of VisitMay
Reviewed May. 19, 2023

Wildlife and fast river

Great campsite (#21) right on rivers' edge. Winter runoff and water is high and fast. Shade during the day. Restrooms are being rebuilt but should be ready by mid to end of June. Porta potties for now but they are very clean. Geese, grebes, egrets, lots of ground squirrels and raccoons.

Site21
Month of VisitMay
Reviewed May. 29, 2022

Beautiful easy get away

We went tent camping and the spots were huge and close to the river which made for beautiful peaceful mornings.

Month of VisitNovember
  • Review photo of Kern River County Park by Anna B., May 29, 2022
Reviewed May. 16, 2022

Good spot with amenities

A fairly good camp ground with restroom and shower access. Was slightly confusing at first on how to get to the site, but looking at a geographical map made the route clear. Any of the covered spots are truly shaded by trees making a mid day snooze very doable.

Sitesite 50
Month of VisitMay
Reviewed Feb. 4, 2022

Lovely campground, friendly host

Well maintained campground with well-spaced sites, you never feel like you're in your neighbor's lap. Sites along the river feel a little less private simply because everyone walks along the river, but there's really plenty of room. Lots of trees, so it would be cool in the summer. Great birds along the river, lots of ducks and egrets, and a bald eagle perched in a tree right above my site with its breakfish! Great place to stay on the way to Death Valley or up the central valley to Fresno.

Month of VisitJanuary
Reviewed Jan. 24, 2022

Quiet and lovely

We stayed here just for a night on our way to Death Valley. It’s super convenient from Bakersfield and nice and quiet, by the Kern River. Clean and calm with some nice sites by the river. All have picnic tables and fire rings. The host was so lovely and let us stay for free in a site that had already been paid for (the folks had left early). We couldn’t believe it! So generous and kind.

Site50
Month of VisitJanuary
Reviewed Jan. 2, 2022

Huge campsites

50 huge campsites with lots of trees for shade. Many river side sites. No hook ups, but there is a dump station and several water spigots. Been coming here for years. Only a few miles to town. A short walk to lake Ming and Kern River golf course

Site34
Month of VisitDecember
  • Review photo of Kern River County Park by David V., January 2, 2022
  • Review photo of Kern River County Park by David V., January 2, 2022
  • Review photo of Kern River County Park by David V., January 2, 2022
Reviewed Jul. 4, 2021

Great place dangerous river

We camp here every year. Usually late shooting to early summer. Camp grounds are well maintained. Would not recommend camping on holidays. Close to 2 lakes ming and hart Park.

Site27
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Kern River County Park by Mike J., July 4, 2021
Reviewed Aug. 9, 2019

Yearly camp

My family comes here every year. Staff around the area really friendly. The people that runs the desk they don’t seem so friendly but they try I guess. You will see them only one time on your stay so don’t let that big you. Awesome place to camp for sure.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make reservations at Kern River County Park Campground?

Reservations for Kern River County Park Campground can be made through the campground office. The camping fee is approximately $32 per night for standard sites, with riverside sites possibly commanding a premium. The campground has a camp host on-site who can assist with check-in and site selection. For the most current reservation information and availability, contact the campground directly or check the Kern County Parks website.

What activities can I enjoy near Kern River County Park Campground?

The Kern River provides the main attraction with opportunities for fishing, swimming (though caution is advised as the river can be deceptively powerful with fast currents, especially during spring runoff). Wildlife viewing is excellent with birds including geese, grebes, and egrets frequently spotted. The campground is within walking distance to Lake Ming for additional water recreation. Kern River Golf Course is also nearby. For those seeking urban amenities, Bakersfield is just a few miles away, making this campground an ideal base for exploring both natural and city attractions.

What do reviews say about Kern River County Park Campground?

Kern River County Park Campground is praised for its beautiful riverfront location with spacious, well-spaced sites that offer privacy and shade from numerous trees. Visitors appreciate the peaceful setting, clean facilities, and wildlife viewing opportunities. The campground is noted for being well-maintained with good amenities for a rustic experience. Some mention that holiday periods can be crowded and recommend avoiding these times. The proximity to Bakersfield makes it a convenient getaway while still feeling immersed in nature. The combination of river views, shade trees, and quiet atmosphere make it a popular spot for return visits.

What amenities are available at Kern River County Park Campground?

Kern River County Park Campground offers approximately 50 spacious campsites, many situated along the riverside with plenty of trees providing good shade. Each site includes picnic tables and fire rings. The campground has restrooms and showers, though the restrooms were recently under renovation. Water is available from several spigots throughout the property, and there's a dump station for RVs. While there are no hookups at the individual sites, the campground is well-maintained with clean facilities.